Badgers fall to No. 23 Spartans for first B1G loss

Friday, October 6

Madison, WI

7 p.m.

Wisconsin Badgers

4-3-4, 1-1-3

Michigan State

6-0-4, 2-0-2

Michigan St.

Wisconsin

Badgers fall to No. 23 Spartans for first B1G loss

October 06, 2023 | Men's Soccer

Box Score

Wisconsin trailed early in 3-1 loss

By: Jake Ross

MADISON, Wis. – Wisconsin men's soccer took their first conference loss of the season against the No. 23 Michigan State Spartans in a 3-1 game on Friday at McClimon Soccer Complex. All the Spartans' goals came within the first 15 minutes of the game. Wisconsin's record is now 4-3-4 (1-1-3 Big Ten).

How It Happened:
Although Wisconsin out shot the Spartans six to four in the first half, UW found itself down thanks to some early foul calls that Michigan State capitalized on.

Six minutes into the game, Michigan State scored on a free kick right outside of Wisconsin's box.

The deficit grew just three minutes later when the Spartans earned a penalty kick and beat goalkeeper Nate Crockford. It was the first penalty kick goal allowed by the Badgers all season.

From there on, the Badgers outshot Michigan State six to one in the first half and eventually 10-5 for the game. Wisconsin finally got on the board in the second half when Michigan native Max Keenan's cross found Jack Finnegan, who knocked it in for his first goal of the season.

75' | BADGER GOAL!

Jack Finnegan gets his first of the year off the Max Keenan cross!

Michigan State, 3
Wisconsin, 1 pic.twitter.com/n17QAebKx8
— Wisconsin Soccer (@BadgerMSoccer) October 7, 2023

It ended up being the final goal of the game.

The game was hard-fought and aggressive, with 22 total fouls split evenly among both teams. There were four yellow cards as well, three to Michigan State and one to Wisconsin.

Straight from the Pitch - Head Coach Neil Jones:
"Obviously disappointed to lose at home - congrats to Michigan State. I actually thought we played quite well, had a lot of chances, but soccer is a funny game sometimes, and their keeper made some great saves. I want to thank our Alumni for coming out tonight, thanks for supporting the Badgers and for everything you've done for the program. Back to work on Monday."

Key Notes:

Roman Eisa made his first career start for the Badgers. The freshman made a tremendous impact right away, recording two shots on goal in the first half.
Forward Jack Finnegan recorded his first goal of the season on his team-best eighth shot on goal. Finnegan was the Badgers' second-leading scorer last season with four.
Maxwell Keenan picked up the assist on Finnegan's goal, his fourth of the season. He is the only Badger this year to record multiple assists.

Up Next: Wisconsin gets right back to it against the Bradley Braves at home on Monday, Oct. 9, at 6 p.m. CT. The game can be streamed live on the B1G+ app, as well as bigtenplus.com. Admission at McClimon Soccer Complex is free.